Is it worth renting a car?

No. Traffic is heavy, and parking in towns like Nice and Monaco is scarce and costs 20-30 USD per day.

How do I get to the beach in Nice?

The main beach is made of large, smooth stones (galets). Wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet, or bring a thick mat to lay on.

A One-Week French Riviera Itinerary

Spend seven days split between Nice and a smaller coastal village to experience the coast without burnout. Use the TER regional train system to move between towns; it is faster and cheaper than renting a car.

Base yourself in Nice. Stay in Nice for the full week. It has the best train connections, the most dining options, and a central airport. Avoid renting a car, as parking is expensive and traffic is gridlocked in the summer.
Master the TER train. Download the SNCF Connect app. Trains run every 30 minutes between Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. Buy tickets at the station kiosks to avoid data issues, and always validate your paper ticket in the yellow machines before boarding.
Prioritize morning departures. Leave for your day trips by 9:00 AM. The coastal trains get uncomfortably crowded by midday, and you will beat the worst of the heat and tourist congestion at the popular sites.

Is it worth renting a car?: No. Traffic is heavy, and parking in towns like Nice and Monaco is scarce and costs 20-30 USD per day.
How do I get to the beach in Nice?: The main beach is made of large, smooth stones (galets). Wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet, or bring a thick mat to lay on.